Mother’s Beach, Marine Stadium Closed Due To Sewage Spill

After about 1,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the Los Cerritos Channel last night, health officials have closed Mother’s Beach, Marine Stadium and the Colorado Lagoon. The three recreational areas are some of the city’s most popular during the hot summer days, and have been packed with swimmers in recent weeks. Unfortunately, the Los Cerritos Channel leads directly to these areas and could vry well have contaminated them with sewage.

A press release from the City’s health officials indicates that the spill has been contained and crews are working to remove the blockage. Tests of the water are being conducted to determine when the beaches will be re-opened. We will keep you posted with any updates we receive.

According to reports, the overflow was caused when a circuit breaker at a private pump station near CSULB malfunctioned Sunday night.

The full press release:

Acting City Health Officer Fred Herman, M.D., has issued a beach closure order for Mother’s Beach, Marine Stadium and Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach. The order was issued due to a sewage overflow that entered the storm system approximately ¼ mile away from the Los Cerritos Channel. Los Cerritos Channel leads directly to Mother’s Beach, Marine Stadium and Colorado Lagoon. The spill, reported to Health Officials last night at approximately 10:30pm, originated in the Bixby Terrace Area, just east of CSULB. The amount is estimated at approximately 1000 gallons. The sewage discharge has been contained and crews are currently working to remove the blockage.

The City’s Fire Department, Lifeguards have posted the affected areas with closure signs. Decisions on the duration of the beach closures and postings will be based on the water test results. The Health Department will be conducting daily bacterial testing of these areas until bacteria levels are within State standards. All water contact activity will be prohibited in these areas until bacteria levels are safe for swimming as determined by the City’s Health Officer.

Further information about the water quality in Long Beach may be obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services Water Quality Information Line (562) 570-4199, or from the Department’s website at www.longbeach.gov/health.

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